As Milena Recio, an editor of the online publication Progreso Weekly, said from Havana, “It is good that the road to a re-encounter among both nations had begun with a humanitarian gesture.”

The actions Obama announced Wednesday have profound implications for Cuba and Latin America.

Even if only Congress can put an end to the shameful embargo, Obama and Raul Castro are opening a dialogue on everything else.

Albor Ruiz is seen as a child in Cuba

The thousands of people of good will in Cuba and in the U.S. who worked hard for many years to see this day are feeling joy and accomplishment. “We did it,” said an elated Arturo López Levy, a professor in Denver who was born in Cuba. “It is everybody’s victory for peace and good relations and nobody’s defeat.”

In Miami, opinions are sharply split and emotions are at a boiling point. The Marco Rubios of this world are pulling their hair in panic, but most Cuban-Americans are hailing Obama’s move as brave and moral and fair.

“At last there is a President with common sense in Washington,” said Vicente Dopico, a Miami-based Cuban-American artist.

Yes, the best Christmas gift ever to Cubans and all people of good will is really happening. And almost incredibly, I have lived long enough to see it . . .

Happy holidays to all!

[Photo on top is of columnist Albor Ruiz, who also writes a weekly column for Progreso Weekly.]